The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga has adjourned the House sine die (to a date to be named) after the government failed to present a statement on the mistreatment of the fishermen on Islands.
The issue came up during this afternoon’s plenary and the speaker asked Bright Rwamirama the minister for animal industry to present a statement on allegations that UPDF officers have been mistreating fishermen and people on Islands, but the latter couldn’t.
The minister instead asked for 2 weeks from members to be able to come up with a statement which the speaker could not have.
“I request that i be given two weeks and report on this issue. We are going to deal with any undisciplined soldier. We are going to meet with the Agriculture ministry tomorrow and report to you” the minister pleaded.
However Hon. Kadaga said this was the fourth time the same matter was rising in the house and it was unfortunate that the minister could not explain.
“If this was a new matter, i would understand but this is an issue that we have come to you four times. We want answers today” she responded.
The minister’s failure to present a statement prompted MPs to call for suspension of the house until government was read. The speaker had instructed Minister Rwamirama to come with the statement ready for presentation today.
Deputy Chairperson of the Agriculture committee, Hon Robert Migadde prayed that if the governement cannot present the statement on the mistreatment of fishermen, the House is suspended till the Premier presents it.
Hon. Jessica Ababiku asked the Speaker to issue a directive to the UPDF stopping any operations on the lakes in relation to the fisheries sector. Hon. Henry Kibalya also prayed that Parliament constitutes a committee to investigate the conduct of the UPDF on the water bodies.